Good news for rate payers in Bundoran

A 3% reduction in the town rates was confirmed at the annual Budgetary meeting of Bundoran Town Council last week by the Town Manager.

A 3% reduction in the town rates was confirmed at the annual Budgetary meeting of Bundoran Town Council last week by the Town Manager.

In presenting his budget Garry Martin, said that the main influencing factor was the current ongoing difficult economic climate.

He said, “This budget strongly focuses the need to achieve saving, value for money and improve efficiencies while still continuing to maintain and improve the existing services.

“I am also very conscious of the need to support the competitiveness of the business sector in Bundoran and to protect employment in the context of reduced economic activity.

“Recognising the continuing difficult economic circumstance in the non - domestic sector, it is not proposed to apply any increase in the rates for 2012.”

After discussion with council members it was agreed that a 3% reduction could be achieved subject to a number of factors as follows;

Additional income comprising €15,000 from Irish Public Bodies dividend, €7,250 additional from holiday home levy and €6,300 in insurance savings.

It was also agreed that €18,250 would be allocated to community groupings which would come from the members and chairperson’s allowances and expenses.

The 2012 Budget provides for a total expenditure of €2,290,919 with a projected matching income.

The proposed budget was unanimously approved by all members with the exception of Cllr. Florence O’Doherty who said, “ €2.3 million is being squandered - there is nothing being allocated to job creation. There is no incentive for the youth to remain at home.

“I know it generates jobs in tourism but these are not high end jobs.

“This budget is exporting our brains.”

Chairman Michael McMahon told Cllr. O’Doherty “You did not turn up to the pre - budget meeting - you only come when the press is here. I have never seen anybody who talks so much and contributes so little.”

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